Some things are just meant to be...

Today, I was supposed to go to Cinque Terre, the one place on my Italy to-do bucket list that I've been itching to do.  But the night before the big day, I just wasn't feeling it.  Italy has brought out this inner free-spirited character that I never knew existed.  I guess the fast-paced and hectic lifestyle of America weighed down my inner flowy view of life.  It didn't help that Cinque Terre was on Sunday, also known as the only day that God asks me to devote some time to Him.  With all the blessings and greatness he's sent my way, I just had that gut feeling that I shouldn't go to Cinque Terre, but go to Church instead.  Most people will think I'm crazy that I threw the 40 euros that I paid for my Cinque Terre tour down the drain, just because I felt that Cinque Terre wasn't happening at the right time.  But gut feelings are gut feelings and they're usually right.  And I was totally right to go with my gut feelings today.  So much amazingness happened in Firenze.  I got to enjoy the beauty of street performers playing on their viola, bass, and guitar; marvel at the 50 years of alternative energy being celebrated in Firenze; run into my ITALIAN FAMIGLIA again!; and go on a random photo adventure through Fiesole.  So much amazingness!  Yes, I blew off 40 euros but there are some things that money can't buy.  What good is visiting Cinque Terre if you can't even hike the infamous five trails?!?  I can't help but be content with my decision to stay in Firenze today.  Some things are just meant to be...

Reunited with our Italian famiglia~!

Mi piace Fiesole~!

Fiesole will always have a place in my heart.
Today was and will probably be my most favorite day in Italy.  Not only did my roommate Melody and I discover a new, authentic Italian market, Sant'Ambrogio, I went on an adventure to Fiesole with Mahea, Jessi, and Brianne.  We went there for the Truffle Festival and to our disappointment, we found out that the festival had ended last weekend.  We were on our way to the church of San Francesco when we came upon a true Italian style picnic: large families bustling with laughter, quickly jumping into songs, and enjoying their food and wine.  We were taking pictures with the scenic view of Fiesole in the background when suddenly, one of the elderly men from the Italian family gestures at us.  He started to blow us kisses and motion with his body that we were like fleeting angels.  Jessi, Brianne, and I were very much confused as to how to respond so we just stood there rigidly, just laughing and smiling.  Mahea, on the other hand, with her classy and elegant self, blew the kisses back.  The guy continued to blow more kisses and then he offered us some vino (wine), which we gladly accepted.  We immediately became a part of this loving party.  I even want to say that we met our Italian family.  We took, god knows how many photos, together and exchanged friendly hugs and kisses.  No one spoke English and none of us knew Italian so the conversation quickly turned awkwardly silent but we had a good time, and I'm sure they enjoyed our international presence!  Plus, they gave us the best wine I've ever tasted!  We eventually parted ways but being in a small town, we were bound to run into each other.  And every time we did, we shouted Ciao~! and blew some more waves and kisses.  On days like these, I tell myself that I just might not go back home to America.  Mi piace Fiesole.

Salute~! Con mi famiglia italiano. 

Volunteering and Curry Lunch

Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer for a local Italian community service event.  The Italians definitely take keeping their environment clean much more seriously than Americans do.  Through my school, Lorenzo de' Medici (LdM), we were able to sign up to take part in Pulire il Monde, an event where local Italian non-profit organizations and schools come together to pick up trash and clean Cascine Park.  As soon as we arrived there, they clad us in cute little yellow aprons and hats, gave us brand new gloves, and trash bags.  We walked around the banks of the park picking up as many cigarette butts and other pieces of trash.  It was most definitely a rewarding experience.  There wasn't as big of a turn out, particularly on LdMs part as I was expecting there to be, but I have to say, when you get five dedicated people who are helping out on a Friday morning because they want to, not because they have to, you accomplish so much more.  They even had the local TV news anchors come out to film us picking up trash.  Let me repeat that, LOCAL TV NEWS ANCHORS CAME OUT TO FILM US PICKING UP TRASH!!!  Does this even happen in America??!

Don't we look cute in our yellow aprons, yellow hats, and with our yellow bags? :P

One of the girls getting interviewed! So jealous!

All the cigarette butts we picked up :/ 

What's the best way to reward yourself after doing something super rewarding?!?  EAT ASIAN FOOD!  Duh?!  I had been planning this event for a couple of days.  My mom had sent me a care package of oatmeal and curry and I wanted to invite some friends over and have a feast, since the PB&J  and ramen noodle diet is really doing us no good.  It was so much fun to hear everyone's stories, eat good food, and just enjoy everyone's company.  We've decided to officially make this a monthly thing (at the least).  Halloween, Thanksgiving, and a going-away dinner in December.  I'm excited to see how this semester plays out! c:  Mi piace Firenze!

Udon noodles, ramen, and curry~!

Melody, Sierra, Brianne, Jessi, Mahea, and Anna (from L to R)

Some thoughts on the Korean Culture

I think I'm starting to experience a little bit of culture shock.  But its not the Italian culture that's putting me into this phase of shock and disbelief.  Its the Korean culture.  As I've mentioned before, both of my roommates are from Korea.  I guess you could say that they're your typical average Korean girls who live a very Korean lifestyle.  But even though I knew that my roommates were going to be Korean before I even came to Italy, I never expected to feel disoriented by the Korean culture.  After all, I had grown up with it.  My parents were strictly Korean in their ideologies and their way of life.  Maybe the generational factor has an influence but I am truly undergoing culture shock.

A couple days back, while have a chat with both of my roommates, we discovered that Melody had undergone plastic surgery to change her mono-lids into the infamously desired double eyelids.  The conversation swiftly switched gears to the list of things that both Melody and Sierra wanted to fix under the knife.  A nose job, double-eyelid surgery, breast implants, jaw restructuring...the list went on and on.  I was very much in shock.  Here were two already beautiful girls and they wanted to completely transform their faces to conform to the set ideals of Korean beauty.  I asked why.  Their response was simply that all of their friends were doing it and they didn't want to be "the ugly friend."  I guess my face must have clearly expressed the disturbance I was feeling at having heard this that one of them ventured on to ask me, "You're perfectly content with the way you look?"

To be honest, I know for a fact that I've never felt pretty and I would never describe myself as being pretty.  I have a very average face.  I don't think anyone has ever felt appalled by looking at my face but I know that my face is far from perfect.  I mean, who has a perfect face?  But even with all of the imperfections that I may have, I would never get plastic surgery or change my face in any way.

Lets just say that both of my roommates were clearly offset by my being fully satisfied with my looks.

Its officially Fall~!

Are you as excited for Fall as I am??!?  Coming from Hawaii, where "fall" is constituted by temperatures dropping to the 70s--in other words, nonexistent.  I'm so excited to finally see fall fall.  With all the leaves changing color...trees laden with bright orange, yellow, and red leaves...and the puddles of fallen leaves raked into piles on the ground.  The lack of trees in Firenze might make seeing fall a little more difficult but I'm just so excited to finally be able to experience some of the seasons during my travels!  I can already feel some of the autumn breeze drifting through Firenze though.  Looks like its time to bust out the boots, sweaters, and scarves!  And whats even better?  Listening to some classic favorites like Autumn Leaves by Nat King Cole and Billie Holiday.  Nothing screams "Falls here!" better than these.  So grab your boots and your scarves, bundle up, and listen to some jams because Fall is officially here!

Are you excited for Fall as much as I am??!

Siena and San Gimignano

Sorry its been awhile since I last updated this blog.  I never realized how hard it was to keep the world posted with your life until I started this blog...hehe.  But I'll try my best to post every weekend at the least!

Today was my first trip outside of Firenze, unless you count Fiesole.  My roommate Sierra and I adventured through the breathtakingly beautiful towns of Siena and San Gimignano with Bus2Alps.  It was a pricey ticket for what we did (50 euros to get a basic tour) but our three course meal and wine-tasting for lunch at a Tuscan villa was probably what made the entire trip worth every cent.  Imagine Tuscany.  Beautiful rolling hills of green and fresh, crisp air.  Yup, that's where I ate my lunch today.  Carlos, our host, gave us pointers on how to properly drink vino (wine).  From how to hold your glass, the number of times you have to swoosh the wine, and how to smell and drink.  We probably tasted about five different types of wine.  I have to say that my favorite was the Chianti DOCG, a light wine usually drunk with the first course.  The lightness is probably why I loved it so much.  Since I just recently started drinking, I'm not as strong a drinker as everyone else and I could definitely feel the throbbing of the wine after my third glass or so.  The three course meal was delicious!  It was your typical Italian lunch, starting with a small appetizer consisting of fresh greens drenched in olive oil, a slice of bread, salami, and some cheese.  I'm definitely used to much more spices overflowing in my mouth so this was a bit bland for my taste.  But I did have a bite or two of salami, which is surprising considering the fact that I haven't eaten meat in roughly six years or so.  The second course, which was my favorite, was a hearty soup made with the freshest vegetables.  According to Carlos, it took a total of seven hours for the soup to cook!!  SEVEN!  The soup wasn't too rich or too watery, but just right.  I loved the burst of vegetables in every spoonful.  And when I dipped some bread, mmmmm.  Soooo good!  The third and last course was lasagna drenched with truffle oil.  I'm not the biggest fan of lasagna (because of all the cheese and beef in it) but you could just taste all the heart and care they put into making this lasagna.  I couldn't finish it because of all the wine I drank, but this meal will probably be one of the best meals I'll ever have in Italy.

First course: salad with olive oil, toast, salami, and cheese.

Vernanccia di San Gimignano (LEFT) and Chianti (RIGHT)

Second course: soup!

Third course: Lasagna with truffle oil!

Siena.  Everyone that has been to Italy has told me to visit Siena.  Now I can see why.  Its a much smaller town in comparison to Firenze but it possesses things that even Firenze does not have.  The views of the rolling Tuscan hillside, the greenery surrounding the city limits, and the fresh, crisp air!  Ohh, how I would love to live in Siena.  The medieval and renaissance architecture is present in almost every corner.  The Duomo is so much more outstanding compared to Firenze's Il Duomo, despite its stark black and white colors.  Something about the fine details just screams for your attention.  But my favorite part would probably have to be the circularly shaped Piazza Il Palio.  This is the famous square where Siena's horse races are held biannually.  The square was much smaller than I expected it to be but there's something about it that just commands for attention.

In front of the Duomo with the roomie!

San Gimignano.  I have to admit, I've never even heard of this town.  But honestly, besides the lunch, this little town would probably be my favorite part of the trip.  The drive up to San Gimignano is enough to fall in love.  There's so much greenery--its literally the epitome of Tuscany!  Its what I imagine when I think of Tuscany.  And to make things even better, this town is home to the world's best gelateria.  Yes, you read it...THE BEST!  I tried the kiwi and lampone (raspberry) flavors this time and mmmmm mmmm mmmmmmm...soooo goooood!

Eating gelato from the best gelateria in the world! Flavors: kiwi and lampone (raspberry)!

If I have the chance, both Siena and San Gimignano are places that I want to visit again.  One day is never enough to see an entire city, no matter how small!

Martini Mondays

My first happy hour!  And I'm not even 21 yet!  Ohh the thrill of being an "underage" American ordering alcohol in Italy!

I don't usually drink.  I actually took my first two shots on my last night in America.  Alcohol is definitely an acquired taste and I don't think I'm actually ever going to enjoy drinking.  The martini was not as bitter compared to some of the wines that I've had here but I could still taste the bitter sting of the alcohol.  And it doesn't help that I started to feel buzzed in the head after a few sips!  #lightweightproblems

So how did this all happen in the first place?

I met with my group at Astor Cafe to work on a project for my international marketing class (I know, we have projects already).  We started to get reallllllly hungry after using our brains too much.  And then we found out about Martini Mondays.  With the purchase of a martini (7 euros), you get a free buffet!  Well, its not really free but for 7 euros, come on!  So Kelsey, one of my group members, and I decided to treat ourselves to some delicious martinis and even more delicious pasta, quinoa, pizza, and more!  YUM!  With my too-lazy-to-cook diet in full swing, I might just become a regular at Astor just for Martini Mondays.

Plate full of food and a blueberry martini!

An Opera and Mahea's Birthday!

During the spring and summer, Firenze puts on a mini festival called "O Flos Colende" in which prestigious performers put on a show for FREE to the public.  Only in Italy do they put on free opera shows to the public.  Last night, I had the chance to see the Saint James Chamber Choir of Stoccolma, under the direction of Gary Graden, perform a few pieces composed by Francesco Siciliani.  These two hours would probably have to be the highlight of my time in Italy so far.

In all honesty, it wasn't entirely an "opera" but more so along the lines of a choir.  Either way, I've never felt so amazed just sitting in my chair and listening to all the voices smoothly blend and ring in the dimmed light setting of the Duomo.  The artistic masterpieces by Fillipo Bruneschelli lining the walls and ceilings, being surrounded by such talented singers...I feel as if I'm living within a fairy tale dream.  An artist's fairy tale dream.  I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to even be in the presence of so many talented people, both dead and living.  I'm still in a sense of shock to find myself living in Italy every morning.

After the opera, I met up with Mahea and some other friends to celebrate her 28th birthday!  Happy 28th Mahea!  We found an open restaurant and sat down to enjoy some pizza, pasta, and lasagna!  YUM! c:  One thing I'll never understand about Italy is the cover charge.  My pizza literally cost 5 euros but there was a 13.50 euro cover charge. >_____<;;  But the night was still young and the festivities had just begun.  We drank some wine because we be classy and headed to Red Garter to dance the night away.  Then we hopped on over to Twice.  I was very surprised to find that Italian men actually ask you if they can dance with you even in a club setting.  I mean there are some guys who just start to grope at your ass, and of course with my luck, that's the only action I got.  But compared to all the horny old men that try to hit on you on the streets, I have to say that young Italian men have got some class!

Once the club got boring, we decided to head back home but only after we got some fresh cioccolato cornetto!  In Italy, there are many bakeries that can only sell their baked goods to smaller restaurants and stores.  But during the night, they sell some of their baked goods for cheap to desperate and hungry club goers to make some extra cash on the side.  This is technically an illegal activity but I guess when times are rough, desperate times call for desperate measures?  Since this is illegal, there's a rule that you have to be quiet in order for them to even open their doors.  And sometimes if you're too loud, they'll throw water and eggs at you.  So we stood in line for almost an hour to wait for the bakery to open their doors and sell us their precious goods.  But with our luck, they were only selling pizzas that night and none of us were feeling pizza.  We just wanted chocolatey goodness.  ):  So we made our ways back home, empty-handed and hungry.  Maybe next time?

Fiesole

I finally made it out to Fiesole.  As soon as I stepped off of the bus, I felt as if I had jumped into the scenery of a painting.  It was breathtaking.  The air was so crisp and fresh.  The trees danced subtly with the wind.  The streets were clean and waiting to be explored.  I must say that I am more in love with Fiesole than I am with Firenze.  Something about the serene atmosphere of the entire place had--in the best words possible to describe it--almost a spiritual epiphany-like quality.  Its a place where I just want to sit, breath in everything surrounding me, and just come to appreciate the beauty.  I feel so blessed to be living in Italia.  I'm living a life that many others can only dream about.

On another note, the trip to Fiesole was an interesting one to say the least.  I had originally planned to just go with a new friend I had made in class, a fellow "Hawaiian" named Mahea, but my roommates and I had all planned to go to Fiesole together eventually so I invited them along c:  After finally arriving at San Marco, we almost got ripped off trying to buy our bus tickets.  We only needed a ticket to and back from Fiesole but the old man at the bus stop kept trying to tell me that I needed four bus tickets to go to and back.  #touristproblems.  But all my bitterness towards the old man went away as soon as I stepped onto the bus.  I've never seen such a cute bus.  The colors were bright yellow and orange (the main reason why I liked it so much!) and you can't not be happy when you see such bright colors like those!

Fiesole!

To give a little background on the quaint town of Fiesole, it existed even before Firenze was built.  Firenze was all wet lands back when Fiesole was thriving!  You can still see some of the leftover Greco-Roman art here and there throughout the town!  Today, Fiesole is a tourist attraction for those visiting Firenze and want to take a break from all the artwork.  They can come to Fiesole   Mahea pointed this out today but I guess I never really realized it until she said it: Being in Italy is like living in my textbooks.  All those monuments and artworks that I've read so much about, written countless papers on, its all here right before my eyes.  I was a little disappointed because the amphitheater had an entrance fee that all of us were too broke to pay for.  Maybe next time!

Greco-Roman Art!

After exploring the town for a little bit longer, we found a mini park and decided to have our lunch, picnic style.  If it was just a little bit warmer, it would have been the best picnic ever!  We stopped by a pastry shop on our way back to the town center to grab a cup of coffee and enjoy a pastry!  Mmmm...Fiesole is definitely my kind of town.

Picnic time!

Yours truly enjoying her shot of espresso!

Culture Shock?!!?

Lately I've been filled with complaints.  

Like why don't they have Fuji apples anywhere in Italy?!?  Or why hasn't Netflix or Spotify come to this part of the continent yet??!  Or why does this book cost 80 euros when clearly its being sold in America for $7 via Amazon?!??  Or why do guys here constantly feel the need to yell "Ni Hao" to my face?!??  Or why is shoyu so damn expensive here!!??  I guess I've been living in a daze between the fantasy dream life with the reality of culture shock beginning to hit as I wake up.  Italy is a great country but there are moments, especially when I'm at a supermarket looking for Fuji apples, when I feel a sense of superiority, a feeling that tells me that I'm from the significantly better, economically stronger country called America.  I miss the convenience that is America.  I miss being able to walk into any store and finding a large selection and more varieties of things to choose from.  I miss peanut butter.  I miss the cheap, shitty Made in China crap that you find everywhere in America.  

BUT then I come back to reality and realize that I'M IN ITALY.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and I shouldn't, NO, I WON'T let the little things that I miss about home get to me.  So what if they don't have Fuji apples?  I'M IN MOTHERFRICKIN ITALY!!  I just saw the most amazing street musicians literally a couple minutes ago.  How often does that happen in America??!  I LOVE FIRENZE<3 

Ni Hao, Konichiwa, Ciao Bella

Everyday some random Italian guy will yell out, "Ni hao" or "Konichiwa" to me.

I've also had this middle-aged painter come up to me FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES to ask me the same question: Are you Japanese or Korean?  

Today, a group of teenage boys screamed right in front of my face, "Ni hao."

This stereotyping is getting old.  

Gelato Updates

I've been on the gelato hunt for awhile now.  Based on what I've learned, you can judge the quality of the gelato by looking at its' display.  If the gelateria piles their gelato, then its most likely made from powder.  Also, if they have many many flavors, its rare that the gelato will be homemade fresh.  And a note to myself: if the gelateria is located near or on a very well-known touristy street, its most likely to be overpriced and not that great.  So far, I've tried seven different gelato places and here's my review on all of them:

Gelateria Santa Trinita:
The first gelato I've had in Italia.  For two scoops at a price of 1.8 euros, this place is a must go!  Be sure to try the Buona al Mascarpone--a cream flavored gelato.  I usually don't like anything too creamy but the Buona al Mascarpone is just right: not too creamy but not too opposite of creamy.  This place is supposedly where the first gelato flavor--the Buona al Mascarpone--was created (according to my tour guide).  They offer a variety of flavors at a great price!

My roomies' gelato: Vaniglia and Buona al Mascarpone.

Random Gelato shop next to my apartment:
The worst gelato I've had.  Not to mention that it was 2 euros for only one measly scoop!  I got the mango flavor and it was definitely made from powder!  The place is not even worth noting its' name not to mention that I forgot the name anyways.

Another Gelateria that I forgot the name of: 
I don't think this was a "real" gelateria which is probably why their gelato was meh.  Its also located at the corner of Via dei Calzaiuoli, which is a very touristy street filled with designer shops and overpriced ristorantes!  I got the banana flavor (I was really craving some Coldstone's banana ice cream!) but it was just meh.  2 euros for just one scoop of meh gelato?!??  That's definitely not my cupatea.

Grom:
This place was recommended in almost every guidebook I've read.  I finally managed to find it after searching intensely for two days!  But after trying their gelato, I can see why its a must-go.  This gelateria offers several regular flavors and offers new "seasonal/monthly" flavors.  I tried the Tiramisu and Menta&Cioccolata (mint chocolate chip) flavors, both of which were monthly flavors.  Grom is located really close to Il Duomo but since its on a small side street, its a little difficult to find.  The place looks like an authentic gelateria: its small and their gelato is placed in small metal containers with lids rather than colorfully displayed.  But its popularity may have led to inflated prices.  The cost is 2.5 euros for two scoops a la coppetta piccola (small cup).

Flavors: Tiramisu and Menta&Cioccolata

Gelateria Perchè No?:
By far my favorite gelateria.  I've been here about four times (its conveniently located right next to my apartment).  And the place offers a cute little porch-like sitting place to enjoy your gelato.  For 2 euros, you get two scoops of deliciously homemade fresh gelato.  It even offers vegan flavors.  I highly recommend the Niccolata (Hazelnut) flavor. c:  And on a side note, one of the workers there is pretttttty cuuute (which is probably why I go there so often!).  Its a bit too pricey for me to indulge in gelato that often but the quality of the gelato is totally worth it!  And the name, Perchè No?, literally translating to Why not? is a cute moniker.  Perchè no try this gelateria?

Flavors: Cioccolata and Niccolata. c: 

La Carraia Gelateria:
This place was recommended by another student who's been studying in Firenze for roughly 6-7 months now.  They offer a good deal: 1 euro for a single scoop cone!  I've been here twice and both times I've tried fruity flavors.  The first flavor was the Frutti di Bosco, which is a mixture of various berries.  It had too many seeds for my taste but I guess that's how you can tell its freshly homemade?  The second time around, I got the tropicale flavor which is a mixture of various tropical fruits.  It. Was. Delicious.  Its a ways away from my apartment but I'm willing to make the trek if I can get gelato for just 1 euro.  This place is also both my roomies' favorite gelateria.  They both enjoy the Yogurt flavor but I wasn't too big a fan but then again, I don't care too much for creamy things.

Flavors (from Top to Bottom Right): Pesca (Peach), Tropicale, and Yogurt.

Antica Gelateria Florentina:
This place was recommended by a "local" Korean Florentine.  Its your stereotypical Italian gelateria, opening whenever the owner feels like it (just kidding! but really late in the day) and offering a smaller selection.  When I got there around 8 p.m., they had already run out of the pistachio and melone flavors which I can only assume means that they make the flavors fresh every morning!  And to top things off, they offer pretty cool flavors that I haven't seen in any other gelateria like litchi (lychee) and matcha (green tea)!  But my favorite part about this place is the 2 scoops for just 1 euro!

Flavors: Litchi (Lychee) and Fragola (Strawberry). c:

FREE Admission!

As you may know, I'm a sucker for FREE things c:
So when I found out that the Santa Maria del Fiore (St. Mary of the Flower), or better known as Il Duomo, was open to the public for FREE, I was ecstatic!  Il Duomo was built in the honor of the Virgin Mary and the cornerstone of the Duomo was laid on September 8th, 1926, following the Festa della Rificolona (read about it here: Festa della Rificolona).  So in her honor, the terrace of the Duomo's cupola was open for FREE on that day!!  Thank God for Virgin Mary!  Since the cost of admission is usually 6 euros, my wallet is definitely thanking me!  As for my legs, the 400 steps was a good but tiring workout and they aren't too happy about it.  But saving money is always a good thing c:

Il Duomo from the top of the Cathedral Cornerstone! 

Roomies~!

400 steps to the top >____<;;

Finding FREE events like these make my day.  I'm always searching the Internet to find free or cheap things to do around Firenze.  I think I might try Firenze's happy hour next time!  Buy a drink, get FREE buffet dinner or aperitif!

Firenze la notte~!

My friend Michelle told me that Roma comes alive at night.  And you know what, so does Firenze.  The day time is great and all but sometimes trying to get past large crowds of tourists can become a challenge and an annoyance.  At night, the real Florentines come out and mingle with the leftover tourists who haven't ran away to their hotels to rest after their daytime adventures.  And I'm not talking about bar hopping or pub crawling.  Although I'm sure that's another wonderful aspect of the Florentine nightlife.  The streets just come alive with musicians, artists, and performers who just love to put on a good show.  Its a great way to enjoy the nightlife without spending all that $$$$$.  I've seen so many talented musicians and artists just doing what they love.  They never fail to put a smile on my face!

Just after the Festa della Rificolona "ended" (after the Cardinal's speech), my roommates and I were on our way back to the apartment when we strolled past a large crowd watching an Italian Charlie Chaplin putting on a mini comedic skit!  It was quite amazing!  And I loved the way he incorporated the crowd into his acts!  I only wish I could find the words to describe what I saw.  But maybe pictures would suffice.

Giving a kid in the crowd a balloon c: but for a price! 

The smiling faces!

End of the show! 

Festa della Rificolona: Festival of the Paper Lanterns

Friday night was supposed to be the roomies and I's "night-in."  Sad right?  I was feeling pumped and energized but I guess my roomies aren't exactly used to intensive walks so going to San Niccolo was a total workout for them!  It was gonna be a dinner and a movie kinda night with the roomies!  But halfway through Batman, we heard a loud commotion outside our windows and rushed over to see what was going on.  There was a parade band and large crowds of people following the band with what looked to be paper lanterns held at the end of a stick!  Even though we wanted a quiet night in, we couldn't resist missing out on this and rushed out the door to follow the crowd!

Apparently it was the annual Festa della Rificolona or the Festival of the Paper Lanterns.  This festival is always held on September 8th, the day that the Virgin Mary is assumed to be born.  The festival is held in her honor and since the large basilica of Santissima Annunziata in Firenze is dedicated to the worship of the Virgin Mary, the festival takes place in Firenze.  Back in the olden days, this festival was one of the primary reasons to make the pilgrimage to Firenze and many farmers, peasants, workers, etc. would bring with them large amounts of their goods such as cheeses, honey, the season's vegetables, and handmade items.  Since the journey began at dawn, paper lanterns held at the end of a stick were used to guide their way.  This tradition is continued annually in Firenze on the night of September 8th.  The cardinal leads the crowd through the streets of Firenze from Piazza Felicita to Piazza Santissima Annunziata, where a short speech is given and a party ensues afterwards.

This cutie saw me trying to take pictures of him and he smiled for the camera! 

Paper Lanterns 

The crowd at Piazza Santissima Annuziata

They offered to pose for the camera c:

I'm really glad I actually got to see this take place!  The paper lanterns that the children were carrying through the streets were so colorful and beautifully made.  Many of the boys were carrying spit wads with them and spitting at the lanterns, which I still can't figure out, but it made me wish I were a kid again so I could join them in all the fun they were having!  Hopefully some day I'll make it back to Florence to participate in this festival!

San Niccolo, Ponte Vecchio, & Gelato

Every weekend is a 3-day weekend!  So what else to do then adventure around Firenze, take choke photos, and scout out new and (cheaper) gelaterias!?

This Friday, I took my roommates and two of our new friends (YAY!) Jessi and Brianne on a mini "hike" up San Niccolo.  The view from San Niccolo is amazing.  You can see all of Firenze from up there and its absolutely breathtaking.  This place and Ponte Vecchio are probably and will continue to be my favorite go-to spots during my time in Firenze!  Its a bit touristy but for views like this, its worth the hassle to get through the crowd.  c:

The roomies + Jessi and Brianne!  <3

Yours truly~!

Yay for making friends!

The view from San Niccolo.

The day was ridiculously hot and all of us were craving some fresh, cold gelato.  Just the other day, with the help of my roomies' Sierra and Melody's school friend from Korea, we found a sweet gelateria called "La Carraia Gelateria" that has cheap gelato (1 scoop for 1 euro!) that tastes good!  Its not my favorite gelateria but for the price, I might just become a regular!  I tried the tropicale flavor and it was so delicious!  My roomies got the pesca (peach) and the yogurt flavors but I think mines tasted better. hehe  Not to mention it was a pretty orangey-yellow color c:  But before we hit the gelateria, we had to take photos of the famous Ponte Vecchio!

Ponte Vecchio

Our gelati~!

After we parted ways with Jessi and Brianne, the roomies and I wandered around Firenze some more to do some window shopping c:  But the heat really started to get to us so we stopped by Astor, a hip and trendy cafe by day/bar by night kinda place.  We'll definitely be going back sometime to parrtayyy!  I guess Sierra was really thirsty because she was eyeing Melody out for the coffee! (see photo below)

Sierra: Ho voglia un caffe!
Melody: Delicioso!
Me: LOL! haha 

Keep reading my blog!  I promise I'll be updating more regularly!  Ciao~!

LdM Welcome Night Dinner

Free food.  That was all I needed to hear for me to get my ass there.  The food was great, the dessert even better, but I think my favorite part about tonight was the people that I met.

LdM loves to stereotype.  And I know this for a fact now after talking to many different people.  Apparently the housing coordinator put everyone who were either from the same ethnic backgrounds or same schools together to reduce the possibilities of cultural conflicts.  As nice as this is, I don't think it helps any of us get the full-on study abroad experience.  Both of my roommates, for example, are straight up from Korea.  As much as I love them, sometimes they make it feel as if I never left home.  And I don't know if I'm supposed to feel that way.  Studying abroad should be a cultural integration where I should be placed at the edge of my comfort zone, always one step away from breaking out of my protective shell.  But I don't feel that way.

The dinner was great and I really enjoyed being able to speak English (this is what happens when your roommates are both Korean).  The people that I've met are amazing.  I just hope we can meet again and have a chat, and maybe even grab a cappuccino someday.  Until then, I'll still be living in my protective bubble.

Night outing with the Roomies~!

Tonight's adventure began with the quest to find dressy clothes for our Welcome Dinner on Monday!  But since we went out at 8pm, all the shops were just closing up. ):  Luckily for us, Firenze is all about the nightlife~!

We passed by so many random street artists on our walk back home (after finding the stores closed).  My favorite was a man creating a replica of Johannes Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring on the sidewalk with pieces of chalk!  

Amazing right??

There were these two singers who serenaded us (the crowd but mainly us :P ) on the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge.  And then we ran into a small concert outside Palazzo della Signoria, right next to the Michelangelo's statue of David.  If every night is like this in Firenze, I don't think I ever want to go to sleep!

Gelaterias: Many in number but Few great in quality

Lets just put this out there: NOT ALL GELATERIA'S ARE CREATED EQUAL.

I've only been in Firenze for one week, had gelato about three times and lets just say that some places are significantly better than others.  BUT on a nicer note, the crappiest gelato I've had in Italy so far has been more delicious than the best gelato I've had back in the states.

The first place I went to was DELICIOUS!  The two places I went to after that have been mehhhh, enjoyable but not orgasmically great, just the kine where you take one picture and post to da Instagram. So yeah, not that great.

Gelato flavors: Caffe (coffe) and Buontalenti Al Mascarpone (cream-flavored?)

YUM c: 

The best gelato I've yet to have was from a place called Gelateria Santa Trinita.  This is the only place? one of the few places? that has the original gelato flavor: the Buontalenti Al Mascarpone.  This flavor is very similar to your typical cream flavored gelato but more richer.  I can't explain how delicious it was.  I'm usually not a creamy-flavor kind of person but this one is to die for.  The caffe flavor was amazing and is probably my favorite so far.  If you ever find yourself in Italy, I recommend that you go to Gelateria Santa Trinita and try their Buontalenti Al Mascarpone. c: YUM!

The other gelato places I've been to have been bleh so its not even worth mentioning here.

The next gelato place I want to try is called Grom.  Its been noted in every guide book I've read and I've been searching like crazy to find it all these streets in Italy look the same! 

Roomies & the Apartment Life

As promised, here's a post on my new casa and my adorkable roomies!

My bedroom.  I took the side with the window c: teehee

The bathroom was surprisingly very spacious!  I still can't figure out what the toilet next to the toilet is though :/

The hallway/living room.  Very small but cute!

The kitchen!  I don't cook so hopefully I won't be setting this place on fire!

There's even a laundry room!

Finally a closet big enough to fit all of my clothes!  And with room to spare! c: hehe 

I was very surprised when I first saw the apartment.  I was comparing the place by American standards so I was expecting something more similar to an apartment-style dorm.  I didn't realize that what the Italians meant by "student housing" was that they would find an apartment somewhere in Florence for you.  Even though I love my new home, there definitely are some ups and downs.  The quality of the housing is significantly much better than a dorm but its also been very difficult to meet everyone else.  It doesn't help that our apartment is located on the opposite side of the Duomo from where all the other students are staying.

My roomies: "Sierra" (L) and "Melody" (R)

My roomies, "Sierra" and "Melody" (I'm using quotations around their names because they asked me to give them pretty American names).  Both of my roommates are from Korea and even though they both go to the same university, they never actually met until we all moved in.  I was a little worried at first on how I'd get along with them (since my Korean isn't as great as theirs and their English isn't as great as mine) but after a week, I think I'm going to enjoy what this semester has in store for all three of us! c:

It also feels great to finally be the girl with the biggest boobs in the group! (They're both sooo skinny!)